# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=906 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 907 --- ## [Shocked intake of breath - culture/language specific, or universal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shocked-intake-of-breath-culture-language-specific-or-universal/754757)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shocked-intake-of-breath-culture-language-specific-or-universal/754757 "2016-05-14T20:07:07Z")
I’m talking about the sharp intake of breath in surprise that’s common and almost a cliche in fiction, when someone drops a metaphorical bombshell in front of others… Is this universal to all humans, or only specific to … --- ## [How much caffeine in a 100% chocolate bar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-caffeine-in-a-100-chocolate-bar/754729)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-caffeine-in-a-100-chocolate-bar/754729 "2016-05-14T17:03:06Z")
Hey all, You’d think this would be an easy question to find the answer to, but I haven’t had a lot of luck. Here’s a 100% chocolate bar, zero added sugar,weighing 100 grams. How much caffeine does this actually have in… --- ## [How are packaged fresh deli meats preserved for so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-packaged-fresh-deli-meats-preserved-for-so-long/754734)
**Author:** [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-packaged-fresh-deli-meats-preserved-for-so-long/754734 "2016-05-14T16:55:42Z")
For the last decade or so, grocery stores have had sealed packages of fresh deli meat-I’m talking turkey, chicken, roast beef, not cured meats like pepperoni-that have expiration dates weeks or months in the future. Osca… --- ## [More US dollar bills in the USA or abroad.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-us-dollar-bills-in-the-usa-or-abroad/754640)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-us-dollar-bills-in-the-usa-or-abroad/754640 "2016-05-14T16:49:32Z")
The actual money. The legal tender. The green notes. Is there more of it in the USA than outside the USA. --- ## [The British Empire Finally Sees a Sunset](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-empire-finally-sees-a-sunset/754739)
**Author:** [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-empire-finally-sees-a-sunset/754739 "2016-05-14T13:38:38Z")
I know that the sun finally set on the British Empire in my lifetime - in fact I think it happened about 25 - 30 years ago. Sadly my Google-Fu is weak and I can’t find when it actually happened. It seems to me that it w… --- ## [did the fda mandate that all pet food had to be humanly edible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-fda-mandate-that-all-pet-food-had-to-be-humanly-edible/754596)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-fda-mandate-that-all-pet-food-had-to-be-humanly-edible/754596 "2016-05-14T13:24:18Z")
The other day one of my elderly relatives made a joke about she was so broke the cat was going to have to share her stock of canned cat food with her and my other relative was being a smartass and said "well back in th… --- ## [Would it be more efficient to turn down/off water heaters the way we do HVAC when we're not home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-more-efficient-to-turn-down-off-water-heaters-the-way-we-do-hvac-when-were-not-home/754478)
**Author:** [@Arcite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arcite)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-more-efficient-to-turn-down-off-water-heaters-the-way-we-do-hvac-when-were-not-home/754478 "2016-05-14T12:53:25Z")
Timed or internet-controlled thermostats for home heating/air conditioning systems have become quite popular for energy-saving reasons. In many households no one’s home for 8 hours a day, plus, in the wintertime when we… --- ## [Sawdust used in place of flour to make bread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sawdust-used-in-place-of-flour-to-make-bread/715994)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sawdust-used-in-place-of-flour-to-make-bread/715994 "2016-05-14T11:18:13Z")
Seen this claim in fantasy and medieval fiction, bakers scamming customers by replacing flour with sawdust. Would this not be instantly apparent to consumers? --- ## [Store-bought dehydrated pineapple - How do they make it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/store-bought-dehydrated-pineapple-how-do-they-make-it/754727)
**Author:** [@Clarence01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clarence01)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/store-bought-dehydrated-pineapple-how-do-they-make-it/754727 "2016-05-14T10:54:05Z")
If I dehydrate my own pineapple it doesn’t turn out like the store bought kind, which is more gelatinous and cube-like. Do they finely cut the fruit and then re-shape it and then dehydrate it in the factories? --- ## [Is it true I shouldn't put a paper bag in the refrigerator because it will create a pocket of warm a](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-i-shouldnt-put-a-paper-bag-in-the-refrigerator-because-it-will-create-a-pocket-of-warm-a/754553)
**Author:** [@MorrisCody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MorrisCody)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-i-shouldnt-put-a-paper-bag-in-the-refrigerator-because-it-will-create-a-pocket-of-warm-a/754553 "2016-05-14T09:30:06Z")
I was just told not to put my paper lunch bag (a small shopping bag) in the refrigerator because paper (and cardboard, too) traps the warm air inside it and prevents to cool air from properly circulating. The person who … --- ## [Moving finger on TV screen produces a trace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-finger-on-tv-screen-produces-a-trace/754691)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-finger-on-tv-screen-produces-a-trace/754691 "2016-05-14T09:18:14Z")
I have a new Sharp TV for the guest room. I noticed that our 3 year old grandson loves to follow objects on the screen with his finger. And this leaves a short lived “trace” that follows his movements. Today, he was doin… --- ## [paint and toxicity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paint-and-toxicity/754740)
**Author:** [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paint-and-toxicity/754740 "2016-05-14T01:56:31Z")
A friend of mine asked me to post this: --- ## [Spiders, Spiders EVERYWHERE!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiders-spiders-everywhere/754583)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiders-spiders-everywhere/754583 "2016-05-14T00:24:09Z")
We live in Southern California & got termite tented about 16 months ago. Prior to termite tenting, the only bugs I ever saw in my house were fleas, the occasional ant, fruit fly, and spider. The termite guy told me that … --- ## [Mankind consumes which vertebrate the most?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mankind-consumes-which-vertebrate-the-most/754638)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mankind-consumes-which-vertebrate-the-most/754638 "2016-05-13T23:27:45Z")
I narrow it down to a contest between Fish and Fowl ( including chicken, turkey, duck etc). So who wins Or is there another vertebrate that pips these groupings. --- ## [Oil in car expires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-in-car-expires/754251)
**Author:** [@Yersenia\_Pestis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yersenia_Pestis)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-in-car-expires/754251 "2016-05-13T20:40:21Z")
Why do oil changing service stickers include (in addition to mileage) an expiration date when the next oil change is supposedly due? Do motor oils really expire in 4-5 months? What if you don’t drive your car much (I bar… --- ## [Big Box (Walmart) vs Home Delivery (Amazon), which is a more efficient system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-box-walmart-vs-home-delivery-amazon-which-is-a-more-efficient-system/754685)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-box-walmart-vs-home-delivery-amazon-which-is-a-more-efficient-system/754685 "2016-05-13T20:25:20Z")
Does the everyone drive themselves to the big box stores to pick up what they want win out, or does the truck delivery to home system make for a more efficient system to deliver goods to the end users? --- ## [How can I check if someone has a claimed degree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-check-if-someone-has-a-claimed-degree/754627)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-check-if-someone-has-a-claimed-degree/754627 "2016-05-13T20:17:28Z")
Say someone is applying for a job and claims a MS in Quantum Mechanics from Podunk University. Short of asking the applicant for a transcript, can I call the school to verify a degree? --- ## [Huh. Strange. . . Has anyone ever had a laptop power supply konk out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huh-strange-has-anyone-ever-had-a-laptop-power-supply-konk-out/754036)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huh-strange-has-anyone-ever-had-a-laptop-power-supply-konk-out/754036 "2016-05-13T20:11:38Z")
Damn. I was right in the middle of a NetFlix binge, too. My battery drained down. I had my laptop plugged in, but apparently it was running on the battery the whole time. While I had ‘the brick’ plugged into my lapto… --- ## [Call your politician!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-your-politician/754450)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-your-politician/754450 "2016-05-13T14:39:43Z")
Hi SD, Today I heard a radio commercial that urged me to call my local congressman. My job, according to the commercial, was to urge him to oppose a certain measure up for a vote. My question is…obviously the congressm… --- ## [What happened to my iPhone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-my-iphone/754486)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-my-iphone/754486 "2016-05-13T14:23:13Z")
I’ve had my iPhone 6s plus for a few months now and have been very happy with it. Before that I had an iPhone 5s and it worked fine too, but the battery life wasn’t great. With my 6s the battery has been great. I can use… --- ## [flying: seat belts and turbulence-related injuries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-seat-belts-and-turbulence-related-injuries/754560)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-seat-belts-and-turbulence-related-injuries/754560 "2016-05-13T14:20:17Z")
During the past week several commercial flights experienced severe turbulence, with a number of people being sent to the hospital as a result. Question: how effective are seat belts in preventing turbulence-related inju… --- ## [Suing a drug dealer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-a-drug-dealer/616876)
**Author:** [@jbsjr941\_comcast.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jbsjr941_comcast.net)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-a-drug-dealer/616876 "2016-05-13T14:06:00Z")
Is there a legal precedent for a lawsuit against a drug dealer for health damages caused by illegal drugs? --- ## [projectile shot downward...at what speed would it not accelerate/decelerate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/projectile-shot-downward-at-what-speed-would-it-not-accelerate-decelerate/754629)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/projectile-shot-downward-at-what-speed-would-it-not-accelerate-decelerate/754629 "2016-05-13T12:52:35Z")
If I dropped a bullet from a stationary platform in the air, it will accelerate to terminal velocity (lets say 120mph). If I shot a bullet downward (assuming faster than terminal velocity) it will decelerate to terminal… --- ## [Question about Bangladesh being scammed for 81 million dollars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-bangladesh-being-scammed-for-81-million-dollars/754662)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-bangladesh-being-scammed-for-81-million-dollars/754662 "2016-05-13T12:07:27Z")
If it was scammed digitally, why can’t the funds be traced? --- ## [A question about real estate comps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-real-estate-comps/754537)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-real-estate-comps/754537 "2016-05-13T08:47:15Z")
I understand the basic premise: pricing according to what comparable houses sold for in a given area. But I have seen what I consider an unusual occurrence and would love some input from someone in the industry. There … --- ## [Russian Language Use in Pimsleur - Dope or whack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-language-use-in-pimsleur-dope-or-whack/754617)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-language-use-in-pimsleur-dope-or-whack/754617 "2016-05-13T04:05:47Z")
I am studying Pimsleur Russian and, not knowing for sure, I see criticisms of its usage. For example, Pimlseur says Я должен/должна был/была остаться дома. - (mas./fem.) I was supposed to stay at home. Guys on the inte… --- ## [what's wrong with my iPhone compass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-iphone-compass/754591)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Downtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Downtown)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-iphone-compass/754591 "2016-05-13T01:37:16Z")
I just got a new (to me) iPhone 5, which I’m happy with. Except the compass shows north being in various random directions. I thought the compass app used GPS positioning rather than magnetism, which is why you have to… --- ## [DOS/batch file question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dos-batch-file-question/753978)
**Author:** [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dos-batch-file-question/753978 "2016-05-13T00:28:49Z")
I’d like to move a large number of files stored in a number of directories up one level. That is to say I have fileA in c:\\Storage\\DirectoryA and fileB in c:\\Storage\\DirectoryB (and so on) ; and would like to automagica… --- ## [Vibrating a wound for faster healing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vibrating-a-wound-for-faster-healing/754576)
**Author:** [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vibrating-a-wound-for-faster-healing/754576 "2016-05-13T00:23:35Z")
I keep seeing information that says one of the reasons cats purr is that it “helps repair damage from injuries” among other reasons they do it. If that is the case, is there any evidence that vibrating an injury in human… --- ## [Generic Store Brands Discontinued in Favor of Name Brands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generic-store-brands-discontinued-in-favor-of-name-brands/754462)
**Author:** [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generic-store-brands-discontinued-in-favor-of-name-brands/754462 "2016-05-12T23:38:38Z")
I’ve noticed lately that more and more generic store brand items I’d been buying at the supermarket (Kroger in my case) have disappeared, leaving only name brand products to choose from. First the generic Tombstone froz… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=905) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=907)